The Uttarakhand-Chamoli earthquake struck the region on Tuesday evening, 6th October 2026, and was felt in the Delhi-NCR region as well as in parts of northern India. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported magnitude 4.9, and the US Geological Survey (USGS) and European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) both recorded magnitude 5.1. The NCS said the earthquake was at a depth of approximately 13 kilometres.
The tremors were reported in parts of Uttarakhand and also in the areas of the National Capital Region, including Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and other areas. The tremor was also reported to be felt in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
Uttarakhand Earthquake: Magnitude and Epicentre
The NCS has identified that this earthquake was triggered at 10.23:13 pm on October 6, 2026 IST. Its epicentre was at Chamoli, Uttarakhand, where it was 13 km deep and at 30.103°N latitude and 79.561°E longitude. The NCS says that the site is around 50 kilometres from Joshimath.
The magnitude difference between the agencies is normal shortly after an earthquake, as they may employ different instruments, data sets, and processing techniques. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported a magnitude of 4.9, whereas the USGS and international agencies such as the EMSC reported a magnitude of 5.1.
Tremors Felt Across Delhi-NCR
The earthquake was powerful enough to be felt hundreds of km away from the epicentre. Delhi and parts of the NCR experienced heavy shaking for a short period of time, while the residents of Noida and Gurugram also felt some shaking. Several residents are said to have evacuated their homes and moved outside when they felt their homes and furniture shake.
According to data from the NCS, the epicentre of the tremor is located around 282 kilometres northeast of New Delhi and 273 kilometres northeast of Noida. It also puts the event within 258 kilometres of Kurukshetra and 254 kilometres of Shimla.
The wide area over which the earthquake was felt illustrates how seismic waves can travel considerable distances from an earthquake's source, particularly when the event occurs at a relatively shallow depth.
Uttarakhand and Other Northern States Feel the Shaking
A few places near the epicentre reported the earthquake as well. The tremors were felt in parts of Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat and Rudraprayag, and other locations including Haldwani, Bhowali, Rishikesh, Gopeshwar and Badrinath.
In addition to Uttarakhand, tremors were felt in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Chandigarh, apart from Delhi-NCR. The earthquake was thus felt in a large area of northern India.
Many people were at home at night, and the event was particularly noticeable because of this. Delhi-NCR residents have been seen stepping out of buildings after they felt shaking, reports said.
No Immediate Reports of Major Damage or Casualties
There were no reports of casualties or severe damage to structures at the time of the initial report after the earthquake. Authorities and agencies kept a close watch on the situation, as additional information was added.
The lack of immediate reports of serious damage does not discount the need for residents to take precautionary measures for earthquakes. Earthquakes can sometimes be followed by aftershocks, and damage assessments may take time, particularly in mountainous areas.
People who experience an earthquake indoors are generally advised to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Staying away from windows, glass, balconies and unsecured heavy objects can reduce the risk of injury. Once the shaking stops, people should carefully move to a safer location if necessary and follow instructions from local authorities.
Why Uttarakhand Experiences Earthquakes
Uttarakhand lies in the Himalayan region, one of the world's most active mountain-building and earthquake-prone zones. The Himalayas were formed through the ongoing interaction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, and the region continues to experience seismic activity.
Earthquakes occur when accumulated stress in the Earth's crust is released as rocks move along faults. The resulting seismic waves travel through the ground and can be felt far from the earthquake's epicentre.
The impact experienced at a particular location depends on several factors, including the earthquake's magnitude, depth, distance from the epicentre, local geological conditions and the characteristics of buildings in the affected area.
What Residents Should Do During an Earthquake
Earthquake safety becomes especially important in areas where tremors are possible. During shaking, people indoors should avoid running toward staircases or lifts and should instead protect themselves under sturdy furniture or beside an interior wall away from windows.
Those outdoors should move away from buildings, trees, electricity poles and other structures that could fall. People travelling in vehicles should stop at a safe location away from bridges, buildings, trees and utility lines and remain inside until the shaking ends.
After an earthquake, residents should check themselves and others for injuries and remain alert for aftershocks. If a building appears damaged, it is safer to move away from it and wait for guidance from authorities rather than re-entering immediately.
Earthquake Updates and Monitoring
The October 6 earthquake highlights the importance of monitoring official earthquake information, particularly in northern India. The NCS has recorded the Chamoli event as a reviewed magnitude 4.9 earthquake, with an origin time of 10:23:13 pm IST and a depth of 13 kilometres.
While international agencies reported a magnitude of 5.1, the variation does not change the fact that the earthquake was widely felt across northern India. Residents in Uttarakhand, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and neighbouring regions should rely on official updates for information about aftershocks, damage assessments and safety advisories.
The earthquake serves as another reminder of the seismic sensitivity of the Himalayan region and the importance of earthquake preparedness in both mountainous areas and densely populated cities across northern India.
FAQs
1. Where did the Uttarakhand earthquake occur?
The earthquake occurred in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan region. The epicentre was located near the Joshimath area.
2. What was the magnitude of the Uttarakhand earthquake?
The earthquake was reported at magnitude 4.9 by India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS), while some international agencies reported a magnitude of 5.1.
3. Was the earthquake felt in Delhi-NCR?
Yes. Tremors from the Uttarakhand earthquake were felt across Delhi-NCR, including parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and surrounding areas.
4. Which states felt tremors from the Uttarakhand earthquake?
Tremors were felt in Uttarakhand, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, among other nearby areas.
5. Was there any damage or loss of life in the Uttarakhand earthquake?
Initial reports indicated no major casualties or significant structural damage following the earthquake. Authorities continued to monitor the situation for further developments.
6. Why does Uttarakhand experience frequent earthquakes?
Uttarakhand lies in the seismically active Himalayan region, where the Indian tectonic plate continues to push against the Eurasian Plate. This ongoing tectonic activity makes the region prone to earthquakes.
7. What should you do during an earthquake?
During an earthquake, follow Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay away from windows and objects that may fall, avoid using lifts, and move to an open area only after the shaking stops if it is safe to do so.
